US 8,248,458 B2 · Variable fixation viewing distance scanned light displays

Abstract

In addition to varying the luminance and chrominance levels of each voxel in an image, a viewing distance for objects within the image is varied to display a multi-focal, three-dimensional image. The focal distance of the voxels is determined by a depth map that indicates a fixation viewing depth of each object. When the image is viewed, there is a natural correspondence between the accommodation and vergence of the viewer's eye. The focal distance of the voxels displayed in the image are modulated using, for example, one or more dynamically variable focus mirrors or lenses, a plurality of fixed focus mirrors or lenses having different focal distances, a plurality of different length optical paths with different focal distance ranges, or at least one spatial light modulator. Light used to produce the image is scanned in two orthogonal directions either before or after the light is focus modulated.

Claims40

Dependent claims

A method for producing a multi-focal three-dimensional visually perceptible image that includes objects at different fixation viewing distances and in which a fixation viewing distance of each object in the image substantially corresponds to its vergence when the image is viewed, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing both two-dimensional image data and a depth map for voxels of the multi-focal three-dimensional visually perceptible image to be displayed, the depth map indicating a fixation viewing distance of objects in the image;
(b) in response to the two-dimensional image data, producing light for displaying voxels of the image;
(c) varying a wavefront divergence of the light for the voxels of the image in response to the fixation viewing distance indicated by the depth map;
and
(d) displaying the image, so that as a function of a viewing distance in the image of objects represented by the voxels, the voxels of the image are displayed with a corresponding divergence, wherein the viewing distance of objects in the image can vary within a maximum range that extends from less than 7 cm to infinity.

2 more elements

A system for producing a multi-focal, three-dimensional visually perceptible image that includes objects at different fixation viewing distances and in which a fixation viewing distance of each object in the image substantially corresponds to its vergence when the image is viewed, comprising:

(a) a signal conveying two-dimensional image data and a fixation viewing distance for voxels comprising objects of the multi-focal, three-dimensional visually perceptible image to be displayed;
(b) at least one light source that produces light for the image;
(c) means for modulating the light from the at least one light source based upon the two-dimensional image data;
(d) means for varying a wavefront divergence of the light from the at least one light source, in response to the fixation viewing distance of the voxels of the image;
and
(e) means for displaying the image, so that as a function of a viewing distance in the image of objects represented by the voxels, the voxels of the image are displayed with a corresponding divergence, wherein the viewing distance of objects in the image can vary within a maximum range that extends from less than 7 cm to infinity.

3 more elements

A method for producing a multi-focal three-dimensional visually perceptible image in which a convergence of a viewer's eye on an object in the image corresponds with an accommodation of the viewer's eye on the object for objects at different fixation viewing distances within the image, comprising the steps of:

(a) using a depth map associated with voxels of the image to control a viewing distance of the voxels in the image, the depth map indicating a fixation viewing distance of objects in the image;
and
(b) displaying the voxels of the image with different corresponding wavefront divergence based upon the fixation viewing distance of the voxels, so that objects with different fixation viewing distances require a viewer's eyes to focus at different viewing distances and with a corresponding convergence, and so that objects disposed at a greater viewing distance and behind an object at a closer viewing distance are not visible through the voxels of the object at a closer viewing distance in the image, where the object at the closer viewing distance is intended to be completely opaque and not transparent.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Variable fixation viewing distance scanned light displays

Life of this patent

Variable fixation viewing distance scanned light displays

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims40